The full-resort options
Smugglers' Notch is the undisputed champion for families with kids 3-12 — six pools, five waterslides, and included kids' camp from 9am-4pm. Summer rates $280-$520, winter $350-$650. Jay Peak’s Pump House indoor waterpark is the wet-weather saviour and works even for teens. Basin Harbor Club on Lake Champlain is the classic New England summer camp for families — $450-$800 including meals and kids' activities, with sailing, tennis, and a genuinely useful nursery.
Smaller-scale family picks
Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe has huge family suites, cross-country trails from the door, and outdoor pools. Tyler Place on Lake Champlain (only open May-September) is all-inclusive family perfection at $350/adult/night. For a shorter stay, the Essex Resort has connecting rooms, a cooking school for kids, and easy Burlington access.
Good to know
Common questions
Which resort is best for teenagers?
Jay Peak in winter (park, tram, waterpark), Basin Harbor in summer (waterskiing, sailing lessons, evening pizza social). Smuggs skews younger.
Are connecting rooms easy to book?
Yes at Essex, Topnotch and Stowe Mountain Lodge. Historic inns rarely have them — call to confirm rather than assuming.
Every booking through Vermont Destinations funds one verified tonne of carbon removal — same room, same price, no markup.
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